Unless you suffer from a
thyroid condition, it is easy to ignore the function of the thyroid gland.
Although small, this endocrine gland – situated just below your neck – plays a
big role in regulating metabolic processes in your body. With a dysfunctional
thyroid, the functioning of almost all your organs is likewise disrupted.
Thyroid disorders generally fall under 3 categories: an overactive thyroid or
hyperthyroidism, an under-active thyroid or hypothyroidism and an enlarged
thyroid characterized by the presence of nodules.
Herbs
For Thyroid
Unfortunately,
thyroid conditions are usually misdiagnosed as most of their symptoms (such as
weight gain or loss, chronic fatigue, depression, skin and hair dryness,
constipation or diarrhea and menstrual irregularities) can be quite similar to
those of other disorders. To make things even more confusing – the 3 types of
thyroid disorders can even have overlapping characteristics.
Therefore
before embarking on any treatment, whether herbal or medicinal, it is important
to have a medical professional diagnose your symptoms and identify the disorder
first. Likewise, it is important to use remedies with an understanding of the
mechanisms involved in promoting thyroid health. For instance, while some herbs
improve overall thyroid conditions, some herbs can only benefit hyperthyroidism
but conversely may be detrimental to its extreme counterpart, hypothyroidism
and vice-versa.
Either
way though, most herbs for thyroid are not like pharmaceutical medications that
attempt to replace thyroid hormones, decrease hormone production or the size of
the thyroid gland. Instead, they are regarded as being able to provide the
appropriate thyroid support – acting preventative and facilitating the healing
process. Although some clinical studies do not find evidence of traditional
herbal medicine being able to totally treat thyroid conditions, herbs are
however thought by some to contribute to lower relapse rates, less adverse
effects, relief of symptoms and improvement of thyroid antibody conditions and
thyroid functioning. Here are 10 herbs thought beneficial for the thyroid:
10
Herbal Remedies for Thyroid
Health
Echinacea
A
popular herb used to boost the immune system, echinacea is considered helpful
for those suffering from hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis. One expert who has
over 20 years of experience with autoimmune conditions gives the roots of
echinacea to his patients and has rarely encountered any major adverse issues.
Licorice
This
herb is important in maintaining a balance among glands so that thyroid
patients who often suffer from fatigue have improved energy. Moreover in 2011,
the Institute of Biosciences and Technology in Texas isolated synthetically
derived constituents of triterpenoid glycyrrhetinic acid, a major component of
licorice and found it to inhibit the growth of highly invasive thyroid cancer
cells. This demonstrates licorice’s potential in clinical treatment of thyroid
cancer and other endocrine-related disorders.
Bugle
In a
2013 study involving 403 patients with mild hyperthyroidism which assessed the
effects and safety of an extract of bugle in tablet or drops form, scientists
observed statistically and clinically significant improvements in the symptoms
of those given the tablet. These improvements were noted without any major side
effects. Because of bugleweed’s effectiveness in alleviating mild
hyperthyroidism, some experts believe it can gradually replace regular taking
of maintenance medications like methimazole or PTU.
Ashwaganda
This is
an herb with antioxidant properties that directly works on the thyroid by
producing just the right amount of hormones. Aside from hormonal balance,
ashwaganda is known to help the body fight stress by improving the immune
system and has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Bacopa
Researchers
confirm the potency of bacopa as a thyroid stimulating drug to fight
hypothyroidism. It has been found to regulate thyroid hormone concentrations by
as much as 41% without adverse reactions.
Eleuthero
Popular
as Siberian ginseng, eleuthero is considered a wonder herb for people suffering
from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Siberian ginseng is believed to be
effective in treating hypothyroidism by regulating the levels of hormones in
the body. Furthermore, this potent herb contains substances that assist in the
normal functioning of the thymus and adrenal glands.
Bladderwrack
Aside
from hypothyroidism, bladderwrack is considered as an essential herb for many
health conditions. This algae or seaweed contains high levels of natural iodine
which is known to stimulate the thyroid gland. Bladderwrack contains substances
that help in restoring the normal functioning of the thyroid gland as well as
in reducing the size of thyroid goiters. It is thought to play a role in
stimulating an increased production of thyroid hormones in order to prevent the
development of thyroid diseases.
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds
are known to be rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids,
which is thought to be good for thyroid health. In a study conducted at the
University of Maryland Medical Center, it was found out that consumption of
foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, like flaxseed, helps in boosting the
production of thyroid hormones. This results to reduced susceptibility to
hypothyroidism.
Black
Walnut
Aside
from seafoods, black walnut is considered as one of the richest sources of
iodine. Research shows, iodine is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role
in optimizing the health and functioning of the thyroid glands. Furthermore, it
was found out that insufficient amount of iodine usually lead to a number of
conditions which include chronic fatigue, depression, mental impairment, and
goiters.
Lemon
Balm
Coming
from the mint family, lemon balm is an amazing herb that is considered
beneficial to the thyroid glands. Research shows that this herb is useful in
normalizing the activities of overactive thyroid glands. It reduces the
production of thyroid hormones and eases the symptoms associated with
hyperthyroidism.
